Clothes for M'sieur

This is a French farmer's chemise or shirt, dating from around the end of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th century, or possibly even up to the '30s - the shirt is a little deceiving as it is in such fine condition. It is made from coarse hemp and is so stiff, you could almost stand it up by itself.

A rare find in this lovely condition - and very popular now for historic re-enactment groups, or as a nightshirt for both men and women - even a great tunic over leggings!

You can see lots more photos in my Ebay listing here.


The collar has been added later of course: it's made of cotton and was probably added by a loving - or long-suffering - wife, fed up with the farmer complaining about how scratchy the shirt was. In fact, I'm told that some wealthy farmers would get their labourers to wear their new shirts in for them, to soften them up a little!


And of course, the farmer's wife would have added her husband's initials, as indeed she would have embroidered a monogramme on all of the family linen and clothing - including her bloomers!


I just love the yoke on this shirt - the gathers were designed to allow for movement and comfort of shape. Also, the shoulders were often reinforced for strength.

sold
And here is the cuff - lovely little white glass buttons, and the gathers which match the shoulder detail. The buttons match the front fastening too, and there is a placket down the front for 'gentlemen's ease' - don't like to think about what this means but definitely for ease of movement at least, and possibly a big belly...


Now, this of course is a much more modern farmer's shirt - made of wool, greatly reduced in quantity of fabric used, much more comfortable I guess. I haven't listed this for sale yet.


And, it's got a rather nice Parisian label, so I would think it's not for a real farmer - just to give the look for a weekend in the country, huntin', shooting and fishing...

sold

Here is another shirt, also made from hemp, but it has been washed so many times, it has lost the original honey/ecru colour and is now white. the more you wash these items, the more they lose the colour and soften up - one way of establishing the age. The fabric is soft and 'floppy' - it could be linen but I think hemp as the fibre is coarser. I haven't listed this shirt either yet.


It was probably a nightshirt due to the fact that each side has a sewn in flap or pleat for ease of walking (and getting into bed) and the neckline is cut lower.


Also, there are no buttons or button holes to put a collar on, so yes, I think it is a nightshirt - probably for summer as I have seen what was worn in winter and believe me, the nightshirts are very heavy. This has a red monogramme too - now bleached to a fetching shade of pink!

The first shirt is already listed on my Ebay site here, the other two not yet, so contact me if you would like more information.

Have a good week everyone!

Prints, photos, paintings - a few treasures for sale

Reserved

I love this framed print of this very fashionable family - what tiny feet! The print is framed, glazed and hand-coloured - for sale here.


This trio of French wedding couples are interesting - see the lack of bouquets? I love the outfits - and the grooms' moustaches...read more here.


A striking pair of sisters - I have a photo of their parents too - see the listing here. Both photos still have their protective glazed paper covers.


This is another hand-coloured print - the river looks so peaceful...read more here - the auction starts from £4.99

sold

And finally this little oil painting from Aix-les-Bains, painted on the lid of a cigar box...and the listing auction starts from £19.99 - you can see more here.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Free food - or my golden currency!

Anyone know what this tree is?



Well, it's a persimmon tree, or Sharon fruit. The French call it a 'Kaki' tree and it is highly prized. So highly prized that as I own the largest specimen around, I use the fruit as a sort of currency. I give tons away to my neighbours to say thank you for all their kindness during the year - and in return, I am given other fruit, vegetables and produce. Works for me!

This is just from one tray of fruit - I normally get around 500 to 700 fruit a year, at around 40 to 50 fruit a box.


Unripe - no good eating this - it's like trying to eat a stick of deodorant - SO astringent - makes the mouth pucker and is absolutely awful...



However, this ripe little gem is the most delicious fruit - sweet, silky and juicy. And we do make the most of the harvest - my golden currency...

'Flu Alert!

Sorry I haven't been posting lately - suffered a nasty bout of 'flu, then dear OH got it, then my brother came for a week's visit so blogging put on back burner for a while. Normal service will be resumed very soon!